Iran is a vast country with a storied, ancient past, a great diversity of cultures and ethnicities, and a location in arguably the most unstable area of the world. Iran's history over the last two centuries—developing as a modern nation-state, freeing itself from foreign domination, and asserting its influence in both the region and the world—has been particularly fascinating.

This title gives an overview of Iranian history written for a general audience. It is intended to acquaint readers with the important events and personalities that have shaped that long history. In this second edition of The History of Iran, the author has thoroughly revised the original content and has added two new chapters, one of which is dedicated to Iran in the 21st century. Particular attention is paid to explaining the forces that led to the revolution of 1979 and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as the controversies of its domestic and foreign policies.